A common tradition has been to string cranberries with popcorn for garland around the Christmas tree. Cranberries are commonly used in holiday foods as well. A tart tasting berry, it is a powerful nutrient. They should be used all year around.
Commercially grown cranberries are grown in the northern United States. They are also grown in southern Canada. They are somewhat larger than the wide varieties grown in the southern regions of the U.S. and throughout Europe. American Indians enjoyed preparing cranberries in ways similar to our present day traditions such as dried and sweetened with honey or maple syrup. Colonists found this bright little berry so prolific they began exporting them back home in the early 18th century.
Cranberries can be frozen for several years. They usually reach their plump, firm, and red peak in October, just in time for holiday baking. That’s the time to buy these berries, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then pop them in a freezer bag. That way, you can enjoy cranberry salad in July as easily as the winter months. Cranberries can be refrigerated for up to 2 months. When buying cranberries check to see if they are firm to the touch and unwrinkled.
Cranberry juice is renowned for its effectiveness in treating urinary tract infections because it inhibits bacteria from attaching to the bladder and urethra. The nutrients in cranberries have been linked to prevention of certain types of cancers, improved immune function, decreased blood pressure and kidney disease. Early settlers from England used them to treat poor appetite, stomach compliants, blood disorders and scruvy.
This berry can even help with dental and gum health.They do this by preventing bacteria from binding to teeth, according to researchers at the Center for Oral Biology and Eastman Department of Dentistry at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York.
Since cranberries contain a good source of vitamin K, people who use blood thinners (such as Coumadin) should ask their doctors before consuming extra cranberries. While there is conflicting evidence on the potential for cranberries to enhance the anticlotting effects, this could lead to increased bleeding.
Cranberry products may lead to a higher excretion of oxalate in urine. This could promote the formation of kidney stones.
The antioxidants and phytonutrients in cranberries, such as oligomeric proanthocyanidins, anthocyanidin flavonoids (which give them their bright red color), cyanidin, peopnidin, and quercitin, have unique health-impacting attributes. Scientists say it is possible that the anthocyanidin strength in cranberries is increased when they are water-harvested, due to the amount of natural sunlight they are exposed to. Cranberries contain stroke and cardiovascular disease preventing compounds that discourage cholesterol from forming in the heart and blood vessels.
Research bears out that cranberries also protect against cancer, particularly breast cancer, due in part to potent antioxidant polyphenols.
The fiber in cranberries is another big benefit, providing 20% of the daily recommended value in every serving for maintaining a flushed system. The same amount is found in manganese. One serving of cranberries also provides 24% of the daily value in vitamin C, along with vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), the only form of this powerful antioxidant actively maintained in the human body.
Regarding the use of cranberry extracts on lowering urinary tract infections, one study reported that UTIs are so common, 60% of women suffer from it at some point in their lives. Caused by microogranisms, including E. coli, these infections are usually treated with antibiotics. But one study determined that one to 1-1/2 cups of cranberry juice per day can prevent 50% of UTI occurances and reduce harmful bacteria, and twice-daily dosages of cranberries (36 mg) might offer additional protection during a 24-hour period.
Fresh cranberries contain the most antioxidants; dried cranberries run a close second, but bottled cranberry juice contain the least. Make sure when buying juice or juice cocktails that it is 100% juice and not a “drink” which often includes added sugar. Consume cranberries in moderation because they contain fructose, which may be harmful to our health in excessive amounts.
